Commission: Native Hawaiian Roll exceeds 120K

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HONOLULU — A roll of qualified Native Hawaiians interested in participating in their own government has grown to more than 120,000.

HONOLULU — A roll of qualified Native Hawaiians interested in participating in their own government has grown to more than 120,000.

The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission announced on Thursday that more than 120,000 have signed up to re-organize a Native Hawaiian government recognized by the state of Hawaii.

The commission’s campaign to register Hawaiian for the roll is called Kanaiolowalu.

The initiative launched in July 2012 after enactment of a state law recognizing Native Hawaiians as the only indigenous people of the islands.

The yearlong drive was extended because of the short pace of signups. The commission says the enrollment effort will go until May 1.

Nearly 290,000 Native Hawaiians live in the state.